Obama On Charleston Shooting: 'This Type Of Mass Violence Does Not Happen In Other Advanced Countries'

"Any death of this sort is a tragedy, any shooting involving multiple victims is a tragedy," he said. "There is something particularly heartbreaking about death happening at a place in which we seek solace and we seek peace."

"I've had to make statements like this too many times. Communities have had to endure tragedies like this too many times," he continued. "Once again, innocent people were killed in part because someone who wanted to inflict harm had no trouble getting their hands on a gun. ... We as a country will have to reckon with the fact that this type of mass violence does not happen in other advanced countries."

Authorities apprehended suspect Dylann Roof, who they believe opened fire Wednesday evening at Emanuel African Methodist Church during a weekly Bible study gathering. Eight individuals were found dead at the scene, and another died later at the hospital.

South Carolina House Minority Leader Todd Rutherford (D) tweeted Thursday that he received a call from the president expressing his regret.

Just received a call from President Obama. He conveyed his condolences to Sen Pinckney's family, congregation, & the people of Charleston.

Obama On Charleston Shooting: 'This Type Of Mass Violence Does Not Happen In Other Advanced Countries'

Politicians On Charleston Shooting

1/ 12

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)

“Our prayers are with the families of the victims and the people of Charleston. We are all heartbroken by this tragedy.
“To the families of the victims, please know that you are being prayed for and loved by so many in the community and across the nation. I pray that God will provide you healing in the coming days.
“There are bad people in this world who are motivated by hate. Every decent person has been victimized by the hateful, callous disregard for human life shown by the individual who perpetrated these horrible acts.
"Our sense of security and well-being has been robbed and shaken.”